The Journal of infectious diseases
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The placebo arm of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trials helps define the natural history of genital warts (GW). ⋯ We confirm the major role played by HPV-6 and HPV-11 in GW, as well as associated risk factors. A vaccine that includes these types of HPV could substantially reduce the overall burden of HPV disease.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Controlled, household-randomized, open-label trial of the effect of treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection on iron deficiency among children in rural Alaska: results at 40 months.
Helicobacter pylori infection treatment was found not to reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency or anemia among Alaska Native children at 14 months after treatment initiation. We hypothesized that 14 months was to early to resolve H. pylori-induced gastric damage. Consequently, we conducted a 40-month follow-up. ⋯ The resolution of H. pylori infection for >14 months modestly reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency and substantially reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia. H. pylori likely plays a casual role in hematological outcomes for some children.
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Influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are among the most common viruses causing infections of the lower respiratory tract in young children. Although there are important differences in the immunopathogenesis of these 2 viral pathogens, little is known about how they affect antigen-presenting cells in children with acute infections. ⋯ Infection with influenza virus or RSV mobilizes antigen-presenting cells to the respiratory tract. The differences in antigen-presenting cell numbers and cytokine concentrations suggest that there are distinctive, early immune responses to these 2 viruses.
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Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) are now major threats in areas of South Africa with a high prevalence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The role of exogenous reinfection as a cause of MDR and XDR TB in these settings has not been determined. ⋯ Exogenous reinfection is an important mechanism for the development of MDR and XDR TB. In addition to strengthening TB treatment programs, effective infection control strategies are urgently needed to reduce the transmission of MDR and XDR TB.
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Historical Article
Cross-protection between successive waves of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic: epidemiological evidence from US Army camps and from Britain.
The current worst-case scenario for pandemic influenza planning is based on the catastrophic 1918-1919 pandemic. In this article, we examine the strength of cross-protection between successive waves of the 1918-1919 pandemic, which has remained a long-standing issue of debate. ⋯ Exposure to influenza in the spring and summer of 1918 provided mortality and morbidity protection during the fall pandemic wave. The intensity of the first wave may have differed across US cities and countries and may partly explain geographical variation in pandemic mortality rates in the fall. Pandemic preparedness plans should consider that immune protection could be naturally acquired during a first wave of mild influenza illnesses.